01/09/2026
Ottawa, Ontario — Tuesday September 1, 2026
Children and youth with foster home experience are hospitalized at nearly twice the rate of other Canadian children, according to one of the largest Canadian studies of its kind. Led by Andrea Evans, researchers analyzed health data from across Canada to examine hospitalization patterns among more than 31,000 children with foster care experience.
“Every hospitalization is part of a larger story. By understanding why children and youth with foster care experience end up in hospital, we can begin to identify what supports are missing, and how we can better help young people before they require hospital care” – Dr. Andrea Evans
Researchers found that hospitalization rates increased through adolescence and young adulthood, suggesting that the effects of childhood adversity can continue long after placement in foster care. Mental health conditions, substance use, and reproductive health complications were among the leading reasons for hospitalization. While many children with foster care experience never required hospital care, those who did often faced complex health challenges that led to repeated admissions.
The findings highlight the need for earlier access to mental health and reproductive health services, trauma-informed care, and coordinated “wraparound” supports that connect healthcare, social services, and community programs to better support youth as they transition into adulthood.